To the Editor:
A few weeks ago my wife and I attended the Golf Pro Shootout held at the Mallory Hill Country Club. The unique format, a great gallery of fans, fun camaraderie among the contestants and absolutely gorgeous weather, made for a perfect way to spend an afternoon in The Villages. We saw some great golf shots, along with a fair number of chunks, skulls, slices and hooks – the type of experiences we’re all too familiar with.
However, the agonizingly slow play detracted from some of the enjoyment. Some contestants took an inordinate amount of time with club selection and strategy discussions with their caddies.
What happened to the concept of Ready Golf that we are always reminded of? Once on the green many of them, again in consultation with their caddies, “read” the green from every possible angle then more often than not, resulting with a missed putt. So, here are my suggestions for future shootouts: Play Ready Golf and employ a “Putt Clock” rule — once it’s a player’s turn, a putt not attempted within 45 seconds results in a one-stroke penalty. Next year maybe this 9-hole contest would be an even more enjoyable three-hour event instead of dragging on for four hours or so.
Bjorn Wiberg
Village of Tall Trees
